Here we have two seemingly unattached words that are connected.  One is a portmanteau from the German language, and the other is a portmanteau from the Japanese language.

Altschmerz

Altschmerz is another word from John Koenig’s Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.  It is a portmanteau of two German words, “alt,” meaning “old,” and “Schmerz,” meaning “pain.”  Together, they form “old pain.”  This word has not made it into Webster’s yet, but it is appearing on psychology websites and in articles.  Although considered non-standard or slang, we think it has a future in dictionaries.

“John had a definite sense of altschmerz and felt stuck in a rut with his job.”

“Her inability to get over the car wreck gave her a feeling of altschmerz and hopelessness.”

“Tim’s feeling of altschmerz left him exhausted, downcast, and sorrowful.”

Wabi-Sabi

Wabi-Sabi is a noun that combines two Japanese terms, “Wabi” and “Sabi.”  Wabi refers to a sense of loneliness or melancholy that arises from living close to nature and away from people, which evolves into an appreciation of simplicity and beauty.  Sabi refers to the beauty, serenity, and humility that come with age.  Together, these two words form a portmanteau that conveys simplicity and modesty.  It conveys an appreciation for the quiet and subtle beauty of everyday life.

“Kim’s wabi-sabi felt overwhelming until she learned to slow down and appreciate life.”

“The garden contained rocks, flowers, and seating to give visitors a sense of wabi-sabi and a relaxing atmosphere.”

“Buddhist monks often evoke a sense of wabi-sabi through their calm demeanor and appreciation for nature’s simpler things.”